Only a short 90-minute drive northwest of Birmingham, Alabama there is an incredible wonderland — the Bankhead National Forest. The forest encompasses 180,000 acres of mixed woodlands, 25,000 of which have been set aside as a true wilderness area called the Sipsey Wilderness.

The forest is known as the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls, and for good reason. As you hike one of the 90 miles of recreational trails past tall moss-covered bluffs, beneath deep rock shelters, and alongside the many rivers and streams that vein through the land carving out an incredible canyon, it literally looks like there is a cascade tumbling down the sandstone walls around every bend. There are so many waterfalls that for the first-time visitor, it seems daunting to choose which ones to visit.

The Bankhead National Forest offers a variety of excellent outdoor activities, including paddling, fishing, and hiking. Scenic campgrounds can be found in the national forest as well, such as the Clear Creek, Corinth, and Houston Campgrounds, open from April to October. Clear Creek and Corinth include water and electrical hookups. Trails can be used for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling.

• Address: 1070 AL-33, Double Springs, AL 35553
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
• Phone: +1 205-489-5111
• Website: https://bom.so/1VQ3Me
  

Do you want to take a day trip? If so, make plans to spend the day at DeSoto Caverns. Many consider the DeSoto Caverns, which are located near historic Childersburg, Alabama, to be one of the country's most beautiful cave systems. This massive underground cavern is located deep beneath the earth's surface and is named after Hernando DeSoto, the famous Spanish explorer who lived in the nearby Native American settlement that later became the town of Childersburg. In addition to being one of Alabama's most famous caves, DeSoto Caverns is part of a family fun park with a variety of activities for people of all ages.

Best known as "Alabama's Big Cave," DeSoto Caverns is believed to be the first recorded cave in America. Because this fascinates so many people, this historic cave attracts thousands of visitors each year from all over the country and even the world. DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park is the main attraction at DeSoto Caverns.

In addition to exploring the cave with a tour guide, visitors of all ages can participate in several fun activities such as DeSoto's Lost Trail Maze, a 3/4-acre maze with three towers, Wacky Water Golf, which includes two streams that weave in and out of every hole, and the Bow & Arrow Shoot, which tests your aiming skills.

There's also a variety of entertainment you'll enjoy, including juggling acts, magic shows, and more. For a quick bite to eat, you'll want to stop and give Cave Cafe a try. This cafe offers everything from pizza and chicken salad sandwiches, to hot dogs and chicken tenders.

• Address: 5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy, Childersburg, AL 35044
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
  
• Admission: Adult: $59; Child $49; Senior: $46.
• Opening Hours: Mon 10 AM - 5:30 PM, Thu 10 AM - 5:30 PM, Sat 9 AM - 5:30 PM, Sun 11 AM - 5:30 PM
• Phone: +1 256-378-7252
• Website: https://majesticcaverns.com/
  

Dismals Canyon, one of the best day trips from Alabama, is located near Phil Campbell in Northwest Alabama. From both Huntsville and Birmingham, it’s about a 1.5 hour drive. It’s also a little over a one hour drive from Tupelo, Mississippi. Alabama is one of the most biologically diverse states in the country, and Dismals Canyon really shows that off. The canyon includes exotic flora, rare trees, and mosses and ferns that almost make this feel like you are walking through a rainforest. And that’s not to mention the huge rock facades and the waterfalls. Plus, Dismals Canyon is one of the few places in North America where you can see glow worms at night, which really does make this a one-of-a-kind experience.

During the day, you can hike a 1.5 mile loop trail on the canyon floor. This beautiful hike features waterfalls, steep canyon walls, rock formations, and streams. You’ll also find historic areas where Paleoamericans and Chickasaw and Cherokee American Indians once used the rock bluffs as shelter.

One of the things that makes Dismals Canyon so unique is the Dismalites! These cousins to the Australia and New Zealand glow worms are actually fly larvae that make their home on the walls of the canyon. At night you can take a guided tour to see the Dismalites, which look like stars sparkling on the canyon walls!

You can also camp near Dismals Canyon! They have five primitive campsites set up near the canyon. All of them have access to a bath house. Camping is offered 7 days a week during the summer and on the weekends during the rest of the year. There is a 2 night minimum stay, and you will have to hike a short distance to get to your campsite.

• Address: 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
  
• Admission: Adult: $12, Over 60: $11, Under 12: $8.75
• Opening Hours: Fri 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Phone: +1 205-993-4559
• Website: https://www.dismalscanyon.com/
  

The Gulf State Park, located in the Gulf Shores area of Alabama, spans two miles of sandy beaches and includes a Lodge and a spacious campground for visitors who wish to stay overnight. The park has a variety of outdoor recreational activities, wildlife, a picnic pavilion, and white sand beaches. Visitors looking for outdoor recreation can go kayaking, parasailing, paddling, geocaching, exploring, fishing, biking, and hiking at Gulf State Park.

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, which includes 27 miles of hiking and biking trails, winds through the park. Paved paths make it accessible to all nature enthusiasts. The trails are a relaxing way to spend the day and see a different side of Alabama's beaches.

From coastal dunes to maritime forests and coastal hardwood swamps, six distinct ecosystems await you. Don't forget to bring your camera! Hundreds of bird species make the trail system their permanent or temporary home while migrating through the area. It's a great place for birdwatching and is on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trails list.

The Gulf State Park Pier offers 2,448 feet of fishing space along its rails and has restrooms, concession area and a bait and tackle shop. Take your kayak to Lake Shelby for the opportunity to paddle through nearly 900 acres of water when you combine Lake Shelby with Little Lake and Middle Lake. If you don’t have a kayak, rentals are available. Lake Shelby is actually one of the closest freshwater lakes near saltwater on the Gulf of Mexico.

• Address: 20115 State Park Rd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.4/5
  
• Admission: Adults: $16.50; Senior: $14.00; Child: $11.00
• Opening Hours: Daily
• Phone: +1 251-948-7275
• Website: https://www.alapark.com/parks/gulf-state-park
  

The Cathedral Caverns State Park consists of a series of underground caves in Alabama, just to the north from the city of Birmingham. These caves beckon travelers to spend a day exploring the cool and interesting cave system that is beautiful in its own gloomy way, providing a chance for adventure in the underground darkness.

The main attraction at Cathedral Caverns is, of course, a cave tour. The massive cave entrance is naturally formed and wide enough to accommodate an airplane. The opening is 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, making it the world's largest commercial cave opening. The entrance is grand, but the cave only gets grander as you go deeper inside. The cave is full of interesting features, one of which is Goliath, a 45-foot-tall and 243-foot-circumference stalagmite.

Further into the cave is the Mystery River that flows through the cave, and a “frozen” waterfall formation formed of water cascading over a layer of 135-foot-long flowstone. Afterward, you’ll come to the large stalagmite forest that is the caverns’ namesake: the Cathedral Room. Past the Cathedral Room, you’ll reach the end of the public cave. Beyond the path lie three more rooms that are only available to park staff to keep note of cave conditions. At the end of the trail, the guide turns off the light to let you experience total darkness.

This State Park also has camping and cabins, as well as gem mining and hiking trails. If you're only here for the day, there's also a gift shop with restrooms nearby. However, because there are no restaurants on the property, you should bring a picnic!

• Address: 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
  
• Admission: Adult $15, Teenager (ages 13-17) $15, Child (ages 6-12) $9, Child (under age 6) Free
• Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  
• Phone: +1 256-728-8193
• Website: https://www.alapark.com/parks/cathedral-caverns-state-park
  

The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, picturesquely perched along Alabama's Mobile Bay, certainly is grand — from the plush bedding in the 405 guest rooms and suites to the two golf courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail to the sumptuous treatments available at the colossal spa. Previous guests advise booking a room in the spa building for maximum romance. When you're not relaxing in your room, rent one of the Marriott's bikes or take a leisurely jog around the property's fitness trail. The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa is located in Point Clear, Alabama, less than four miles south of Fairhope.

The Grand Hotel has to be one of the best day trips in Alabama, with over 20,000 square feet of spa space! There are two golf courses on-site, as well as ten tennis courts, a marina, heated indoor and outdoor pools, and seven restaurants serving fresh herbs from their gardens. You may find yourself wandering the grounds, taken in by the scenery. The spa, as previously mentioned, is the property's crown jewel. It looks like something from Europe! With a sauna, quiet room, massage services, and much more, you'll leave feeling more relaxed than you have in years!

• Address: One Grand Blvd, Point Clear, AL 36564
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
  
• Prices Range: Room rates from $330 per night
• Opening Hours: Daily
  
• Phone: +1 251-928-9201
• Website: https://rgl.mobi/YuCIg
  

Orange Beach is an ideal family trip destination. You'll find exciting activities, delicious dining, and, of course, stunning beaches while you're there. Alabama's beaches have something for everyone, whether you want to unwind and relax or seek adventure.

Over 32 miles of beautiful beaches are available in the area, ideal for playing, exploring, and relaxing. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and The Wharf are just a few of the exciting attractions and activities in the area. The fun doesn't stop there, as the restaurants serve delicious cuisine in a stunning coastal setting. There's something for everyone, from freshly caught seafood to mouthwatering burgers to delectable desserts.

From the moment you arrive until you leave, you'll be in beach mode. The sugar-white sand beaches that stretch across the two beach communities provide the ideal setting for an unforgettable vacation. If digging your toes in the sand and hearing the waves crash against the shore is what you're looking for in a vacation, this is the place to be.

Memories are waiting to be made, whether it's feeling the warm sun on your skin, biting into a delicious meal while overlooking the water, or reconnecting with the natural beauty around you. Prepare to be wowed by the stunning beaches of Alabama's Gulf Coast. Start planning a day trip to Orange Beach to make your next vacation one to remember.

• Address: 4099 Orange Beach Blvd.Orange Beach, AL 36561
• Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5
  
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: Daily
  
• Phone: 251-981-6810
  
• Website: https://www.orangebeachal.gov/

As it is with most natural wonders and public recreation areas, there is a slew of outdoor activities that can be undertaken at the Little River Canyon National Preserve. It is best known for its views, so sightseeing is the most common activity. But hiking, outdoor photography, rappelling, fishing, bird watching and similar pursuits are also enjoyed by visitors practically every day. Adventurers who enjoy whitewater kayaking are often found heading downstream when the river in the gorge is suitable.

The national preserve can be considered one place with three separate parts: the gorge, the backcountry and the mouth park. The backcountry is a densely forested area of about 8,000 acres found upstream from the gorge. The mouth park, located where the river exits the gorge in the valley before it empties into the Coosa River at Weiss Lake, is a place where people enjoy picnics, swimming and exploring the river.

Composed of sandstone and other sedimentary rocks eroded by water over millions of years, Little River Canyon is one of the most spectacular landforms in the region, carved into the flat top of Lookout Mountain. Due to it’s easy to get to location, the gorge has by far the most visitors. And, it’s possible to see the most-popular sights in two hours or less. Unless you are pressed for time, you’ll want to take your time and stretch your visit out to closer to three hours.

• Address: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5
  
• Admission: $3 User Fee per Vehicle
• Opening Hours: Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  
• Phone: +1 256-845-9605
• Website: https://www.nps.gov/liri/
  

Cheaha State Park, located in the Talladega National Forest, covers 2,799 acres and features majestic views, endless trails, waterfalls, a gem mine, rock climbing opportunities, and much more.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built the majority of the park's structures in the 1930s, and their masonry, craftsmanship, and ingenuity can be seen throughout; the stone lodge, cabins, pavilions, and observation tower are all still in use today. Visitors to the park can go rock climbing and repelling, especially at the popular Rock Gardens and Pulpit Rock Trail. Swimming is a blast in the 6-acre man-made lake. There is a playground, a diving platform, and paddle boats on the beach.

Geocaching is also available at Cheaha State Park for a unique outdoor experience. There are numerous hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, ranging from wheelchair and stroller-accessible trails to moderate trails for a little bit of a challenge to difficult multi-directional trails for the experienced hiker. Just outside the park are more hiking opportunities at Kentuck Trail, Cheaha Trailhead, Odum Scout Trail, Chinnabee Silent Trail and more.

Mountain biking at Cheaha State Park provides a unique experience with each ride. Some people prefer to begin at a specific trailhead and then follow colored blazes from one trail to the next. There are difficult climbs, easy sections for a break, fast single tracks, laurel thickets, and rocky and smooth sections. Depending on where the rider begins, each biking experience will be unique and refreshing. However, these bike trails are designed for experienced mountain bikers and are not suitable for beginners.

• Address: 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258
• Tripadvisor Rating: 4.0/5
• Admission: Senior/Disabled: $55, Individuals Pass 12 & Older: $105, Family Pass up to 6: $155
• Opening Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
• Phone: +1 256-488-5111
• Website: https://www.alapark.com/parks/cheaha-state-park
  

Lake Martin is one of the largest artificial reservoirs in the United States, located in the east-central Alabama counties of Tallapoosa, Elmore, and Coosa. The reservoir was created in 1926 when the Martin Dam impounded the Tallapoosa River, resulting in a lake that encompasses more than 40,000 acres and has more than 800 miles of shoreline. The Martin Dam continues to generate hydroelectric power to this day.

Lake Martin's large acreage and wooded shoreline have made it a popular vacation destination in Alabama, and as a result, it is surrounded by a significant amount of luxury real estate and rental properties. Swimming, fishing, boating, and waterskiing are all popular water sports and hobbies for vacationers. Golf and camping are also available nearby. Every year, a variety of events are held on or near the lake, including fishing tournaments, July 4th fireworks, music festivals, and boat parades.

The lake is dotted with numerous small islands, many of which are popular with boaters during the summer. Swimmers, for example, flock to Acapulco Rock Island, where they scale various levels before diving into the water. Goat Island is aptly named for its resident goat family, and a favorite with children.

• Address: 124 Tomahawk Rd, Dadeville, AL 36853
• Tripadvisor Rating: 5.0/5
  
• Admission: Free
• Opening Hours: Daily
  
• Phone: (256) 825-7648
  
• Website: https://www.lakemartin.com/